Ministry of Culture
Bharatanatyam performances by Kalakshetra Foundation and melodies by Saleel Kulkarni mesmerize audiences at the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav
Mumbai : 15 February 2023
Mahatma Gandhi famously stated, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” It is, indeed, the people of our diverse nation that make it culturally rich. Mumbai this February, is privileged to host artists - people who have not only preserved this culture but also mastered the skill of its’ artistic expression–thanks to the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav.
The Rashtrya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2023 is being held at Azad Maidan, Churchgate, Mumbai, from 11th to 19th February 2023. The Mahotsav is being organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India to promote national unity and integrity through cultural exchange. About 350 folk and tribal artists from all over India along with about 300 local folk artists, some transgender and differently abled artists, renowned classical artists as well as famous star artists are all set to entertain and inspire the audience with their enthralling performances. In addition to the artists, about 150 craftsmen from all the states of India and from all the seven zonal cultural centers of the Union Ministry of Culture have been invited for an art and craft sale-cum-exhibition. A food court is being established offering food varieties from all over India. Local food stalls as well as millet food will be available for the common public. All the seven zonal cultural centres and academies under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, are participating in this event. The event is being conducted in co-operation with Ministry of Culture, Govt. of Maharashtra.
Every evening at the Mahotsav is a treat for visitors, with a variety of folk and classical performances being performed by renowned artists. Today’s first performance was "Colours of India". It featured 340 folk dancers from different parts of the country presenting different styles of folk and classical dance.
This was followed by a Bharatanatyam performance by Sheejith Krishna and team of the Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai. Kalakshetra, as the name suggests, is a centre for artistic endeavour. Founded in 1936 by the vibrant visionary Rukmini Devi Arundale, the Institution stands testimony to her dream of creating a space where the essence of Indian thought would find expression through artistic education. Spread over almost 100 acres by the seashore in Chennai, the Kalakshetra Foundation, as it is known today, is a vital centre for the study and performance of fine arts.
Finally, Dr. Saleel Kulkarni, a renowned musician and composer, took stage for the programme "माझे जगणे होते गाणे, which translates to ‘My Life Was a Song.' Saleel Kulkarni is a composer, singer and an author. He started his musical career composing and singing albums and rose to fame with ‘Ayushyawar Bolu Kahi’ in 2003. He has gone on to compose many songs for Hindi and Marathi films, serials and albums.
The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav promises to be a celebration of India's cultural diversity and a tribute to the country's artistic heritage. The festival is a treat for cultural enthusiasts and a platform for artists to showcase their talent. Entry to the entire event is free for all citizens and art lovers. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to witness some of India's most talented artists and performers as they come together to bring the cultural heritage of India to life.